Abstract: A fluidizing method transports particulates by gravity flow but passes the particulates through a fluidizer which is partitioned by a porous distributor plate to form first and second chambers and wherein the particulate materials pass through said first chamber which is in gaseous communication with said second chamber via the porous distributor plate. Gas is delivered to the second chamber at a pressure sufficient to generate a gas bearing between the porous distributor plate and the particulate material. The gas is permitted to migrate through the particulate material, but it is then vented to the surrounding atomosphere without causing substantial turbulence in the particulate material and to reduce tendencies for dusting and separation of the particulates into sizes.

Abstract: A gas-assisted flow and filling device for transporting particulate material and filling die cavities includes a source of low-pressure gas for delivering gas to a chamber that is separated from a fluidizing chamber by a porous distributor plate which permits the gas to flow through the particulate material and out a vent screen so that the particulate material is permitted to flow out of the fluidizing chamber essentially free of gas and wherein the pressure of the gas delivered to the fluidizing chamber is sufficient to provide a gas bearing to said particulate material adjacent the distributor plate, but not high enough to cause turbulence in said fluidizing chamber.

Abstract: A gas-assisted flow and filling device for transporting particulate material and filling die cavities includes a source of low-pressure gas for delivering gas to a chamber that is separated from a fluidizing chamber by a porous distributor plate which permits the gas to flow through the particulate material and out a vent screen so that the particulate material is permitted to flow out of the fluidizing chamber essentially free of gas and wherein the pressure of the gas delivered to the fluidizing chamber is sufficient to provide a gas bearing to said particulate material adjacent the distributor plate, but not high enough to cause turbulence in said fluidizing chamber.

Abstract: A fluidizing method transports particulates by gravity flow but passes the particulates through a fluidizer which is partitioned by a porous distributor plate to form first and second chambers and wherein the particulate materials pass through said first chamber which is in gaseous communication with said second chamber via the porous distributor plate. Gas is delivered to the second chamber at a pressure sufficient to generate a gas bearing between the porous distributor plate and the particulate material. The gas is permitted to migrate through the particulate material, but it is then vented to the surrounding atomosphere without causing substantial turbulence in the particulate material and to reduce tendencies for dusting and separation of the particulates into sizes.

Abstract: A gas-assisted flow and filling device for transporting particulate material and filling die cavities includes a source of low-pressure gas for delivering gas to a chamber that is separated from a fluidizing chamber by a porous distributor plate which permits the gas to flow through the particulate material and out a vent screen so that the particulate material is permitted to flow out of the fluidizing chamber essentially free of gas and wherein the pressure of the gas delivered to the fluidizing chamber is sufficient to provide a gas bearing to said particulate material adjacent the distributor plate, but not high enough to cause turbulence in said fluidizing chamber.

Abstract: A delivery and filling system for filling a cavity with a particulate material is disclosed. The system in one embodiment includes a hopper; a transport device, and a delivery chute. The hopper, transport device, and delivery chute each may have a porous distributor plate which partitions them into a first chamber and a second chamber. The system is hooked to a compressed gas source connected to the porous distributor plate and a fluidizer. A gas-control unit is provided including a pressure regulator, pressure sensor, and flow metering solenoid valve to independently regulate the flow of gas to the porous distributor plate and the fluidizer of the system independently.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing simulation and modeling and control which permits user feedback for purposes of implementing design and process optimization for composite or powder compact materials. Control is achieved through a dual feedback and feedforward hierarchical control scheme employing an interactive modeling system for providing the feedforward control data and a PID control loop for the feedback control. Modeling is based upon constitutive equations which form the basis of modeling solutions derived from the micromechanical relationships inherent in the consolidated materials. The system is implemented in an FEM software platform such that a graphics based visualization in three dimensional form can be provided to the user.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for providing simulation and modeling and control which permits user feedback for purposes of implementing design and process optimization for composite or powder compact materials. Control is achieved through a dual feedback and feedforward hierarchical control scheme employing an interactive modeling system for providing the feedforward control data and a PID control loop for the feedback control. Modeling is based upon constitutive equations which form the basis of modeling solutions derived from the micromechanical relationships inherent in the consolidated materials. The system is implemented in an FEM software platform such that a graphics based visualization in three dimensional form can be provided to the user.